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I have always loved aquariums. Especially large ones with beautiful colors. I am ready now to get one going. I am willing to put the time, money and energy into maintaining the tank. I want to go with a large one, I prefer a 6' long tank, as I have plenty of room. I'm not sure how many gallons that would be.
Can anyone refer me to a good resource for learning the ropes for aquariums? Where is the best place to buy a tank and stand? Would like to know how much work is involved, how many fish can survive in such a tank. How long is the lifespan of fish? etc.
I have always loved aquariums. Especially large ones with beautiful colors. I am ready now to get one going. I am willing to put the time, money and energy into maintaining the tank. I want to go with a large one, I prefer a 6' long tank, as I have plenty of room. I'm not sure how many gallons that would be.
Can anyone refer me to a good resource for learning the ropes for aquariums? Where is the best place to buy a tank and stand? Would like to know how much work is involved, how many fish can survive in such a tank. How long is the lifespan of fish? etc.
Thanks and Happy New Year!
My 6 foot tank is 180 gallons. It is 6x2x2. Perfect size for larger fish.
Read through the stickies in each the 'your new freshwater tank' section, particularly everything about cycling a tank. My number one tip for you starting out is NOT to trust your local fish store employees blindly. Educate yourself first. Many fish store employees are not well trained. They may tell you that 'cycling' means letting a tank run for a day before adding fish...cycling is actually much more complex and very important to the health and safety of your fish.
There are many fish that can survive in a large tank (and it's good you're starting out with a big tank...they're actually easier to maintain than a small one.) You might want a lot of smaller schooling fish, or you might decide on just one or two big guys. Life span will also depend on your species, but many fish can live much longer than people realize.
You'll find maintaining your tank doesn't take long at all...maybe half an hour twice a week. But again, you want to start out right, which means learning about the bacteria cycle and how to test your water.
Read through the stickies in each the 'your new freshwater tank' section, particularly everything about cycling a tank. My number one tip for you starting out is NOT to trust your local fish store employees blindly. Educate yourself first. Many fish store employees are not well trained. They may tell you that 'cycling' means letting a tank run for a day before adding fish...cycling is actually much more complex and very important to the health and safety of your fish.
There are many fish that can survive in a large tank (and it's good you're starting out with a big tank...they're actually easier to maintain than a small one.) You might want a lot of smaller schooling fish, or you might decide on just one or two big guys. Life span will also depend on your species, but many fish can live much longer than people realize.
You'll find maintaining your tank doesn't take long at all...maybe half an hour twice a week. But again, you want to start out right, which means learning about the bacteria cycle and how to test your water.
Thank you , that looks like a great site.
I also picked up a book on Freshwater/Marine/Pond Fish.
I'll be up and running in no time.
Even if you don't put any plants in the tank, it still has a lot of useful info, and it's an active forum. If you decide on goldfish, here's a good goldfish forum: http://www.kokosgoldfish.invisionzone.com/forum/
PJJCat gave you some good advice. Just be sure to research the types of fish you get, and not to mix the wrong kinds together. For instance, you shouldn't mix most tropical fish with goldfish etc. Good luck, I'd love a tank that size!
I was wondering if it is okay to use an old dresser or a buffet/side-board for the stand?
The stands they sell in the stores aren't very decorative. I know the weight of the tank is several hundred pounds.
I can't imagine the stands in the pet stores being any stronger than a well made peice of furniture.
I was wondering if it is okay to use an old dresser or a buffet/side-board for the stand?
The stands they sell in the stores aren't very decorative. I know the weight of the tank is several hundred pounds.
I can't imagine the stands in the pet stores being any stronger than a well made peice of furniture.
Any thoughts?
A smaller tank (20 or under) might be okay. But honestly these dressers weren't made to hold several hundred pound by any means. I agree though the particle board stands now a days are junk.
How about you make one? You can really buff them up with lumber and never have to worry about anything. I understand everyone can't build one, but if you know the right people or have the space it isn't that hard.
I know, I'm not talking about the cheap furniture that's made in China, but more so the good quality workmanship of yesteryear. I have a nice buffet from the 60's that strong, solid and sturdy and I can't imagine why it's not going to hold a tank when the store stand is made of particle board and is basically hollow inside, No extra support brackets.
I was just wondering if it's a gimmick.
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